A brace apparatus 1 comprises means for securing the brace apparatus to a torso of said user e.g. an adjustable belt 2, a support 3, 4 for at least part of an arm, wrist and/or hand of a user and an actuator 12 capable of moving the support and a controller 5, operatively connected to the actuator to control movement thereof from a first to a second condition. The actuator may be electric or hydraulic motor or a solenoid. The support may comprise a pivoted support frame secured to the belt and having a runner mounted extending second frame for arm extension. The controller may be mounted in an ear-canal to detect inter alia, voluntary movement of the tympanic membrane, malleus or proximal ear-canal wall movement to command brace movement preferably by wireless communication. The apparatus may have a robotic glove connected by flexible linkages 17 to a further actuator 20 or antagonistic system. Fitted to a user to benefit from active or passive movement following injury congenital limb difference or illness.
Brace apparatus
2022-12-21
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch